The Historical Romance Sampler

Samplers, I'm here to share that I have to put the podcast on hiatus for the foreseeable future while I recover my health. Picture me like a Regency heroine taking the waters in Bath, and don't worry too much, because I'm very confident I'll be better soon...perhaps even in time for a summer house party! In the meantime, here are some ways to keep up with me and historical romance: Catch up on past episodes! Check out the podcast on your preferred app, or go to YouTube for curated playlists. (https://www.youtube.com/@HistoricalRomanceSampler) Check out my interview with Andie James on First Encounters - A Historical Romance Podcast. (And for that matter, check out all of Andie's interviews and book discussions!) Bid on a stack of queer historical romances featured on the Historical Romance Sampler for the Trans Rights Readathon auction! Now through March 31, 2026. Check it out here. Call your US House of Representatives congressperson to tell them to vote NO to HR 7661! Find out more here. Join me and Ella Dawson in NYC on April 29 for a Romance Read In to benefit Authors Against Book Bans! Get your tickets here. And as always, here are some ways to support the podcast and find me on the Internet! HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Logan Sage Adams joins the podcast to read FROM THE ASHES, a queer historical romance set during the Chicago World's Fair of 1893! We talk about how this romance was inspired by The Devil in the White City, how Logan Sage is called to different eras, and how parenthood became a big theme in this novel. Then Logan Sage answers my quick questions and reveals themselves to be a rivet counter! 00:59 Reading from From the Ashes 12:41 Inspiration from the World's Fair 15:40 Research and Writing Process 16:58 Fatherhood Then vs Now 19:00 Choosing Eras 22:08 Cover Art Inspiration 23:49 Katherine's Quick Questions: Realism, History, and Genre Blends 27:05 Conclusion and Farewell Find out more about Logan Sage Adams: https://www.logansageadams.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Andie James returns to the podcast to read from her new release, BEGUILED! We talk about the theme of beauty versus function, how she explores classism in the Regency era, and what intimacy looks like in her books. Plus, Andie shares what inspired her to start her own podcast, First Encounter! 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 03:51 Reading from 'Beguiled' - Chapter 6 19:07 Andie James on Ethical Land Management 22:59 Exploring Themes of Classism and Character Development 24:33 Introducing 'First Encounter' Podcast 28:39 Katherine's Quick Questions 33:26 Where to Find 'Beguiled' and Conclusion Find out more about Andie James (and First Encounter--A Historical Romance Podcast) at https://www.andiejamesauthor.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Jennie L Spohr reads from her reformation era court romance, HEIRS AND SPARES. She talks about why she wrote two versions of each book in this series (one closed door, one open door), how her degree in theology inspired her plots, and writing a romance trilogy about a single couple. 00:33 Meet Jennie L Spohr: Bestselling Author 01:30 Reading from 'Heirs and Spares' 14:28 The Concept of Dual Versions: Spicy and Closed Door 19:44 Crafting a Historical Romance Series 22:48 The Intersection of Theology and Romance Writing 27:51 Love It or Leave It: Romance Rules 32:06 Conclusion and Farewell Find out more about Jennie L Spohr: https://jennielspohr.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Debut author R. K. Harrington reads from her Regency romance, KINDRED SCHEMES. We talk about what it is like to transition from reader to writer, why engineering is just as creative as writing novels, and why she loves to add mystery into her romance plots. 00:00 Welcome to the Historical Romance Sampler 00:33 Introducing RK Harrington and Kindred Schemes 01:36 Reading from Kindred Schemes 15:32 Discussing the Scene and Ballroom Dynamics 19:49 Exploring Writing Processes and Inspirations 26:48 Love It or Leave It: Romance Tropes 29:47 Where to Find RK Harrington and Her Books 30:52 Closing Remarks and Subscription Reminder Find out more about R. K. Harrington at https://www.rkharrington.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Lambda Literary Award finalist TJ Alexander returns to the podcast to read from their upcoming Regency romance, A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS! They talk about writing in Lord Byron as a supporting character, the role of poetry and gossip in the novel, and exploring themes of commercial art versus art for art's sake. Then they help me debut a brand new segment: Katherine's Quick Questions! 00:00 Introducing TJ Alexander 03:07 Reading from A LADY FOR ALL SEASONS 15:43 Interview: Lord Byron and Writing Process 29:09 Katherine's Quick Questions with TJ Alexander 33:48 Conclusion Find out more about TJ Alexander at: https://tjalexander.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Shop the official HRS bookshelves on Bookshop.org to support authors, independent bookstores, and this podcast! Check it out at https://www.bookshop.org/shop/katherinegrantromance Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

As we head into the new year, I'm sharing a little of what you can expect from the Historical Romance Sampler! Look forward to new episodes starting in February, more updates on book bans in the USA, and a new game! Thank you so much to everyone who has listened to the podcast so far. I'm celebrating over 13,000 downloads on podcast apps and 36,000+ views on my YouTube channel! Looking ahead to Season 3, here are some ways to support the podcast: Follow, subscribe, rate, and review to help spread the word about the show! Listen to the programmatic ads that play before, during, and after the show! Purchase books from your TBR via the podcast's affiliate links on Bookshop.org and Libro.fm! Check out the official shopping lists at www.linktr.ee/historicalromancesampler Book a 60-second ad for an episode in Season 3! Follow HRS on Instagram (@historicalromancesampler) Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant)

Charlie Lane returns to the podcast to finish out the year with a holiday romance, NAUGHTY FOR SIR NICHOLAS! We talk about why historical romance readers also love holiday romances, what Charlie likes about writing holiday romances, and her transition into gaslamp historical romantasy. Plus, she finally plays LOVE IT OR LEAVE IT? 00:00 Introduction to the Historical Romance Sampler Podcast 01:25 Reading from 'Naughty for Sir Nicholas' 14:20 Interview with Charlie Lane: Holiday Romances 14:54 The Appeal of Holiday Romances 16:35 Magic in Holiday Historical Romances 17:39 Introducing Gas Lamp Romantasy 18:39 Exploring Victorian England's Gender Dynamics 23:31 Genre Blending: Historical Romance and Fantasy 28:09 Love it or Leave it: Romance Rules 34:26 Conclusion and Upcoming Releases Find out more about Charlie Lane at https://www.charlielaneauthor.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant) Follow HRS on social media! Instagram (@historicalromancesampler)

Award-winning author TJ Alexander comes on the podcast today for a special edition about book bans and censorship. We take a look at how bookstores and payment processors are participating in commercial censorship to block romance book sales and how these actions specifically target queer creators. Then, TJ offers some ideas for how to fight back! Find out more about the Itch.io controversy: https://www.thegamer.com/itch-steam-censorship-payment-processors-collective-shout-delist-deindex/ https://www.polygon.com/visa-mastercard-steam-censorship-valve-itchio-gta/ Find out more about TJ Alexander: https://tjalexander.com/ 00:00 Introduction to the Historical Romance Sampler 00:33 Special Episode: Book Bans and Commercial Impact 00:50 Guest Introduction: TJ Alexander 02:43 Understanding Commercial Censorship 05:16 Digital Space and Payment Processors 24:45 Historical Context and Modern Parallels 27:09 Call to Action: Supporting Queer Authors 28:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant) Follow HRS on social media! TikTok (@historicalromancesampler) Instagram (@historicalromancesampler)

Kathy L Wheeler joins the podcast to read from THE DUKE'S DETOUR. We talk about how she uses humor to investigate darker themes in historical romance, the serendipitous ways she finds story ideas, and why Broadway and sports games make her cry. 00:00 Welcome to the Historical Romance Sampler Podcast 00:33 Meet Kathy L Wheeler 01:15 Sample Reading from 'The Duke's Detour' 12:57 Discussion on Loretta Chase and Writing Influences 15:07 Exploring Dark Themes in Romance 19:37 Inspiration from Musicals and Personal Stories 25:34 Love It or Leave It: Rapid Fire Questions 27:47 Conclusion and Where to Find More Find out more about Kathy L Wheeler at https://kathylwheeler.com/ HRS is an affiliate of Libro.fm! Sign up for a new monthly membership and get three audiobooks for the price of one with code HISTORICAL! (As an affiliate, HRS may earn a portion of your purchase, for which we thank you!) Check out the official HRS playlist at: https://tidd.ly/4hgCquh Find out more about your host Katherine Grant: Instagram (@katherine_grant_romance) TikTok (@katherinegrantromance) Facebook (@Katherinegrantromanceauthor) Goodreads (https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19872840.Katherine_Grant) Bookbub (https://www.bookbub.com/authors/katherine-grant) Follow HRS on social media! TikTok (@historicalromancesampler) Instagram (@historicalromancesampler)